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Dianne Reeves’ name may not be on the tongues of the “106 & Park” crowd, but she knows firsthand that success and the type of overwhelming popularity that many younger, mainstream artists may experience today, do not necessarily go hand in hand. One of the world’s premier jazz vocalists, Reeves has over 30 years of experience under her belt and four Grammy Awards to show for it. According to Reeves, each individual should decide his own definition of success. “You have to figure out what success is for you,” she says. “For me, it’s been doing the thing that I love to do, and [having] it sustain my life.”

Reeves’ latest labor of love is her album, comprised mostly of jazz standards, When You Know, which was recently released on Blue Note Records. Reeves says the song selection and album title are reflective of where she is in her life. “It’s kind of a life journey. I feel like I’m at a time in my life where I know a lot of things that are helping me to navigate these waters that we live in,” she explains.

Reeves credits her repeated Grammy wins with giving her the opportunity to broaden her fan base. “I’m thankful because they have given me a bigger opportunity to perform live all over to new audiences that may have never listened to jazz music,” she says. “The music demands that you have your own sound, and I’m happy to introduce those sounds to people.” marissa mitchell

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